The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

The Red Umbrella is a moving tale of a 14-year-old girl's journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan-an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro's revolution.

In 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Lucia lvarez still leads a carefree life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But when the soldiers come to her sleepy Cuban town, everything begins to change. Freedoms are stripped away. Neighbors disappear. And soon, Lucia's parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States-on their own.

Suddenly plunked down in Nebraska with well-meaning strangers, Lucia struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new way of life. But what of her old life? Will she ever see her home or her parents again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl?

The Red Umbrella is a touching story of country, culture, family, and the true meaning of home.

"Captures the fervor, uncertainty and fear of the times. . . . Compelling." -The Washington Post

"Gonzalez deals effectively with separation, culture shock, homesickness, uncertainty and identity as she captures what is also a grand adventure." -San Francisco Chronicle

Christina Diaz Gonzalez based this moving novel on her parents' lives, as well as the experiences of the more than 14,000 other unaccompanied adolescents who arrived in the United States as part of Operation Pedro Pan. This vast migration of children is a little-known but interesting chapter in history, and Gonzalez has written a compelling drama that vividly brings it to life. Gonzalez worked as a lawyer for a while before returning to her early love of stories and writing. Her debut novel is The Red Umbrella. Christina Diaz Gonzalez, her husband, and their two sons live in Miami, Florida. Visit www.christinagonzalez.com to learn more about her.